Janis Schalm
Abbotsford
Summary
I'm an empathetic Community Support Worker aiming to support individuals on their recovery journey by offering non‑judgmental guidance, active listening, and consistent encouragement. Dedicated to fostering stability, dignity, and long‑term wellness for people facing addiction and housing insecurity.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Support Worker Volunteer
Ground Zero Ministries
08.2024 - Current
- Volunteer - Ground Zero Ministries – Abbotsford, BC | Aug 2024 – Present
Practicum Student
Ground Zero Ministries
11.2025 - 01.2026
- Supported individuals facing addiction, mental health challenges, and housing instability
- Community Food donation pick ups and drop offs
Built trust with diverse and vulnerable populations - Familiarized with community resources, shelters, outreach programs.
- Outreach with the unhoused and addicted communities
- Collaborated with team members to refine operational workflows, enhancing overall program efficiency.
House Mom
Life Recovery
01.2018 - 01.2019
- “House Mom” live in support worker – Life Recover – Abbotsford BC | 2018-2019
Housekeeper
Vedder River Inn
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Vedder River Inn – Chilliwack, BC Housekeeper | 2019 – 2021
Education
Western Community College
06-2026
Skills
- Outreach & engagement
- Team collaboration
- Active listening and empathy
- Client advocacy
- Case documentation
- Boundary setting
- Problem‑solving
- Safety planning
Accomplishments
- Supported high‑needs clients through consistent outreach, resulting in improved access to housing, detox, and mental‑health services.
- Built trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness and substance‑use challenges, increasing engagement with recovery and harm‑reduction programs.
- Provided essential needs such as food, clothing, and harm‑reduction supplies, improving client safety and wellbeing.
- Documented client interactions accurately and consistently, supporting effective case management and service continuity.
- Advocated for clients’ rights and needs, helping reduce barriers to housing, healthcare, and recovery services
Languages
English
Certification
- First Aid + CPR Level C – July 20, 2025
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) – Aug 15, 2025 – Aug 15, 2026
- MANDT System – June 26, 27, July 6, 2025 – June 30, 2026
- Food Safe Level 1 – June 6, 2025
- Suicide Prevention (SPRAM) – July 22, 2025
- SPECO – June 10, 2025
- WHMIS – Feb 8, 2025
- Criminal Record Check (Children & Vulnerable Adults) – May 9, 2025
- TB Test – Neg
Related Skills & Experience
- Volunteer with Ground Zero Ministries, providing mentorship and crisis support
- Former full-time live-in community support worker (“house mom”)
- Skilled in resource navigation and recovery mentorship
- Currently enrolled in Community Support Worker program at Western Community College
- Trained in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and trauma-informed care
Timeline
Practicum Student
Ground Zero Ministries
11.2025 - 01.2026
Community Support Worker Volunteer
Ground Zero Ministries
08.2024 - Current
Housekeeper
Vedder River Inn
01.2019 - 01.2021
House Mom
Life Recovery
01.2018 - 01.2019
Western Community College